Operation PaddleLift is a collaborative global campaign launched by the Global Pickleball Federation and partners to deliver pickleball equipment to countries where the passion for the sport existsbut access to gear does not. This effort is led by the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) in collaboration with Franklin Sports, Seklkirk Sport and the Good Sport Foundation.
The goal is clear and urgent. We want to ship 20+ kits to emerging national pickleball federations worldwide, containing the following items:
- 90 Franklin X-40 Pickleballs
- 20 Paddles
- 4 Portable Nets
While some equipment has been generously donated, such as Franklin X-40 pickleballs, the shipping, customs, and import fees can cost more than the gear itself.
Every $1,000 donation covers the full cost of delivering one starter kit to national federations that applied for a Kit and have been patiently waiting, in some cases for over a year.
The initiative is chaired by Ruth Rosenquist of GPFs Community Development Committee, whose leadership has helped shape Operation PaddleLift into a blueprint for the sports global growth within under-resourced countries. As she states, this joint effort will help close the gap while supporting pickleballs long-term international growtha critical step toward the sports future on the world stage and as an official Olympic sport.
Each Operation PaddleLift kit for member countries can turn a schoolyard, parking lot, or community space into four courts where pickleball and community can grow. Now you can join our global movement to cultivate community across all ages and abilities!
Dr. Kwabena Akufo, Founder of the Ghana Pickleball Association, shared why each starter kit is critical to growing the sport, Our push for grassroots development of pickleball in Ghana has been limited due to equipment. When the Ghana Pickleball Association received GPF member kits, we were enabled to expand to more regions in Ghana that will help us in our drive toward formal recognition by the Ministry of Sports.
Operation PaddleLift is grateful for donors who have already championed Oman, Kenya and Cameroon.
I deeply believe that pickleball will help heal our world and Operation PaddleLifts efforts completely align with that.
- Pat A., IPTPA & PPR Pro Certified instructor
All donation amounts are truly appreciated. You can also Champion a Country with your generous $1,000 donation that will deliver a full equipment kit to one of the current applicants who are standing by to receive equipment. (Or send us a note with a country on your wish list!)
On behalf of GPFs diverse member countries and our volunteer Board of Directors,
we thank you for your caring support.
Please reach out if you have any questions or new equipment to donate.
Contact: Ruth Rosenquist, GPF Community Development Committee Chair
Email: rrosenquist@globalpickleballfederation.org
Website: www.globalpickleballfederation.org
